Do you know your partner’s favourite colour? Their most beloved movie or their go-to dinner? We’re positive that you do. These may be considered to be the ‘little things’ but they’re important nonetheless and have probably come up in conversation on multiple occasions. But what about your partner’s funeral wishes – have you discussed this?
Some people choose to avoid this topic because they find it may be too ‘morbid’ or bad luck, but for those left behind, not having these conversations can be quite problematic. After all, a funeral is the final goodbye, so you want to ensure your loved one leaves behind a memory that’s true to them and the life they lived. Without fully understanding their wishes, it can be difficult to plan. We know, we’ve seen loved ones experience this state of confusion first-hand and you can hear the full story of Lyn and Gordon Long here.
We appreciate that this can be a challenging topic to raise but it should be done with openness and honesty, and it certainly doesn’t need to be approached in a sorrowful way. Instead, consider approaching like you would a round in the gameshow ‘Mr and Mrs’. However, instead of holding up the ‘his’ or ‘her’ cards, consider creating a bowl filled with key questions that you think would be important for you both and take the time to work through them.
Here are some questions to get you started…
- Would you like to be buried or cremated?
- If you’d like to be cremated, did you want your ashes to be scattered in a special location?
- Would you want your service to be religious?
- What song would you like to include?
- Are there any personal touches you’d like to include, like a special colour?
- Would you like anyone to speak at your service?
- Do you have any flowers in mind?
- Where would you like the service to be held?
- Are there any specific instructions you’d like to leave in your will?
- What kind of coffin would you like?
Sadly, due to COVID-19, the National Will Register has seen a marked increase in searches for wills over the past few weeks, often in a bid to quickly determine funeral wishes and speed up access to financial legacies. It’s a terrible reminder that the power of planning ahead shouldn’t be underestimated, and it’s important to have these conversations with loved ones around you.
If you’d like support when opening up these conversations or if you’d like to seek some external advice, speak to our team today on 02922093388